SLK 280 or 350?
Discussion
It looks as though I may soon be replacing my wife's SLK 280. Looking around I have spotted a 350 that would suit her (& she likes the colour !). There seems little difference in the two apart from +500cc, + nearly a second to 60 and + a bit more RFL . I confess that I am a little anxious with her having nearly 300hp under her right foot but she lets me drive it now and again so - result.
Does anyone have any experience of both or know of any pitfalls ?
Does anyone have any experience of both or know of any pitfalls ?
You might already be aware of the balancer shaft issues with the 3.5 engine. If not worth doing some research, it affected the early 3.5 engine. There is a big thread over on the MBclub UK forum which will tell you which engines are prone to this.
It's a very cheap part replacement that requires a major expensive rebuild.
The 350 is a bit faster and probably a bit thirstier, but having had the 280 you will be familiar with the rest. You really need to go for the V8 AMG
The VED might be a bit higher as well depending on the age.
It's a very cheap part replacement that requires a major expensive rebuild.
The 350 is a bit faster and probably a bit thirstier, but having had the 280 you will be familiar with the rest. You really need to go for the V8 AMG
The VED might be a bit higher as well depending on the age.
It's more a question of colour/spec/mileage than flat out speed. At the risk of getting badly flamed my wife is in her 50s and I wouldn't like the extra hp to put her in the hedge - obviously I would be perfectly competent 
Edited by loggo on Wednesday 28th February 11:29
Edited by loggo on Thursday 1st March 17:11
M511 said:
1 second at 60mph is almost 3 meters, its whether you think that's a big enough gap to get the extra power?
IIRC it's not just about the 3 metres though, the 350 is a more comfortable(?) engine. I think I'm right in saying the mpg's are actually a little better too.pop over to http://www.slkworld.com/
My wife has just obtained an early (2005) 350. We tried examples of both engines. There was nothing much in it in normal driving.
The 350 is a pleasant enough drive and I have taken it on the autobahn at reasonably challenging speeds; there is more than enough power there.
It feels comfortable and hers is specced up to the gunwhales, which I guess is more likely in a 350 rather than the lesser powered version.
The 350 is a pleasant enough drive and I have taken it on the autobahn at reasonably challenging speeds; there is more than enough power there.
It feels comfortable and hers is specced up to the gunwhales, which I guess is more likely in a 350 rather than the lesser powered version.
Facelift SLK's from 2008 onwards have many updates & revisions inside & out - the SLK 350 gets a significantly increased 305hp with no balance shaft issues and lower road tax too, as they became more economical as well as more powerful than their predecessors.
Revised, smooth & rev-happy 350 engine (has a big red V on the engine cover) sounds great as it howls towards the 7200 redline, and gets to 60 in a fraction over 5 seconds.
Our 2009 SLK 350 averaged about 23mpg around town, over 35mpg out of town on A roads, over 30mpg on a motorway cruise at 75mph, or under 20mpg if fully enjoying the surprising performance available.
Heated seats & the wind deflector made top down drives really enjoyable all year round.
Airscarf is a nice to have, although I only tended to use it on sub-zero days as I found the fan noise in my ears a bit too annoying.
Harmon Kardon sounded better to me with the surround sound off, so not a must have, imho.
Optional Sports Pack with stiffer sports suspension & steering wheel gearshift paddles provides very good control for seriously rapid B road fun, at the expense of some low speed ride comfort around town.
HTH - let us know what you decide to do.
Revised, smooth & rev-happy 350 engine (has a big red V on the engine cover) sounds great as it howls towards the 7200 redline, and gets to 60 in a fraction over 5 seconds.
Our 2009 SLK 350 averaged about 23mpg around town, over 35mpg out of town on A roads, over 30mpg on a motorway cruise at 75mph, or under 20mpg if fully enjoying the surprising performance available.
Heated seats & the wind deflector made top down drives really enjoyable all year round.
Airscarf is a nice to have, although I only tended to use it on sub-zero days as I found the fan noise in my ears a bit too annoying.
Harmon Kardon sounded better to me with the surround sound off, so not a must have, imho.
Optional Sports Pack with stiffer sports suspension & steering wheel gearshift paddles provides very good control for seriously rapid B road fun, at the expense of some low speed ride comfort around town.
HTH - let us know what you decide to do.
Given that the weather is about to change for the worse again, I thought I should mention that one thing that hasn't improved since the R170 design is the winter driving capability.
I've just driven a 350 through Switzerland. Even with snow socks on, it was more than a bit of a pain as the combination of RWD and the electronic intervention on the ESP (even when switched off) made for quite an unstable drive. I drove back in similar conditions in a FWD Alfa 156 GTA with no problems whatsoever.
If you are driving anywhere long distance in snow or ice in an SLK, I'd strongly recommend using another car or, at least, having proper snow chains or winter tyres fitted.
I've just driven a 350 through Switzerland. Even with snow socks on, it was more than a bit of a pain as the combination of RWD and the electronic intervention on the ESP (even when switched off) made for quite an unstable drive. I drove back in similar conditions in a FWD Alfa 156 GTA with no problems whatsoever.
If you are driving anywhere long distance in snow or ice in an SLK, I'd strongly recommend using another car or, at least, having proper snow chains or winter tyres fitted.
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